King & Kayla and the Case of the Unhappy Neighbor
by Dori Hillestad Butler
illustrated by Nancy Meyers

When Jillian’s dog, Thor, is accused of digging up Mr. Gary’s garden, King and Kayla put their detective skills to work to clear his name. A witness to the crime tells King that the culprit is a “new guy” who likes to fight. But who could that be? And can they track down this new guy and clear Thor’s name? The King & Kayla series from Geisel Honor Award-winning team Dori Hillestad Butler and Nancy Meyers is perfect for readers transitioning from easy readers to beginning chapter books and great for introducing important concepts of fact gathering, list making, clues, and analytical thinking.

Explore more King & Kayla with the series teacher’s guide and activity kit, and download a free poster!

Lillian’s Fish
by James Menk
illustrated by Louisa Bauer

When Lillian turns six, her favorite gift is an extraordinary, shimmery, and colorful fish. But when the brand-new birthday fish disappears, the other family pets secretly band together to help unravel the mystery. A trail of clues soon leads the animals on a fantastic adventure along the river and deep into the woods, where they encounter new places and strange creatures. James Menk’s delightful, lively tale of discovery and friendship will enchant readers of all ages. Louisa Bauer’s captivating drawings bring this charming story of children and their pets to life.

Dive deeper into Lillian’s Fish with a free discussion guide.

Homer on the Case
by Henry Cole

Homing pigeon Homer and his parrot friend Lulu learn something is afoul when they witness a four-legged crime-spree in their neighborhood. Can Lulu and Homer track down the bandits and lead their human keepers to the culprits’ hideout to stop the thieves? Award-winning author-illustrator Henry Cole delivers a fun, action-packed middle grade mystery that will keep readers guessing if the crime-solving pigeon will get his guy. A supporting cast of animals and humans forms a community that will have every reader wishing they could join in the hunt.

Download this discussion guide for middle grade summer book clubs!

The Girl Who Stole an Elephant
by Nizrana Farook

Chaya, a nobleman’s rebellious, outspoken, no-nonsense daughter, just can’t resist the shiny temptations the king’s palace has to offer. But playing Robin Hood for her impoverished community doesn’t come without risks, and after leaving her village as a thief, can she return as a hero? Or will Chaya’s sticky fingers be the beginning—or the end—of everything for her and her intrepid gang? Own Voices debut author Nizrana Farook spins a page-turning middle grade tale in a lush, fictional Sri Lankan setting. Just right for adventure fans, the book explores themes of friendship and loyalty, risk and reward, and heroism.

Continue your jungle adventure with a free discussion guide!

To honor their persistence, bravery, and compassion, we have gathered a list of titles which highlight our history’s female legacy. Please feel free to share these stories with family and friends and any woman, young or old, who has inspired you to reach higher, go farther, and dream bigger.

Away with Words
The Daring Story of Isabella Bird
Written by Lori Mortensen
Illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

“Isabella Bird was like a wild vine stuck in a too-small pot. She needed more room. She had to get out. She had to explore.” This dashing picture book biography about the first female member of the Royal Geographical Society takes readers around the world with a daring nineteenth-century female explorer and bestselling author. Author Lori Mortensen even included quotes from Bird’s books sprinkled throughout the story! Check out the book trailer. For ideas of how to use the book in the classroom, check out the teacher’s guide.

Dangerous Jane
The Life and Times of Jane Addams, Crusader for Peace
Written by Suzanne Slade
Illustrated by Alice Ratterree

Eleanor’s Story
An American Girl in Hitler’s Germany
Written by Eleanor Ramrath Garner

Eleanor’s Story is the dramatic memoir of Eleanor Ramrath Garner’s youth, growing up as an American caught in World War II Berlin. It’s a story of trying to maintain stability, hope, and identity in a world of terror and contrasts. Throughout her work, Garner puts a very human face on the horrors of war and helps us understand that each casualty of war is a person, not a number. Read an excerpt here. Also check out the author Q&A and the discussion guide for more information.

It Can’t Be Done, Nellie Bly!
A Reporter’s Race Around the World
Written by Nancy Butcher
Illustrated by Jen Singh

This book tells the true story of Nellie Bly, a courageous newspaper reporter for the New York World, who decided to circle the globe in 1889 in less than eighty days. Equipped only with one sturdy travel dress and a small satchel, she has all kinds of incredible experiences―from surviving a monsoon at sea to visiting a leper colony in China. Bly’s indomitable spirit and love of adventure will inspire a new generation of young readers to defy the odds and attempt to do what many believe cannot be done.

Mind Your Manners, Alice Roosevelt!
Written by Leslie Kimmelman
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson

Alice Roosevelt was an independent, outspoken young woman during a time when women were supposed to be quiet and reserved. She flew in the face of convention at every turn, from riding a pig and keeping a pet snake to speeding through town in a new car. Her free-spirited antics, and rapier wit, drew the eyes and ears of the nation, inspiring many of its citizens to question their own definitions of womanhood.

Ladies First
Women Athletes Who Made a Difference
Written by Ken Rappoport

Margaret Mitchell & John Marsh
The Love Story Behind Gone With the Wind
by Marianne Walker

Based on almost 200 previously unpublished letters and extensive interviews with their closest associates, Walker’s biography of Margaret Mitchell and her husband, John Marsh, offers a new look into a devoted marriage and fascinating partnership that ultimately created a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. From years of meticulous research, Marianne Walker details the intimate and moving love story between a husband and wife, and between a writer and her editor. Read an excerpt here.

Izzy Gizmo
by Pip Jones
illustrated by Sarah Ogilvie

“This story of a girl engineer is sorely needed and has potential to develop and nourish readers’ interest in STEAM subjects.” ―Kirkus Reviews

Izzy Gizmo’s inventions are marvelous, magnificent . . . and often malfunction. Despite the fact that she loves to invent, it never seems to work out in her favor. But when she finds a crow with a broken wing, she has to help! Izzy tries again and again to build a new pair of wings, but nothing is working. Can Izzy overcome her failures? Or is her friend destined to live as a crow who can’t fly? From author Pip Jones, this inspiring, STEAM-infused story of ingenuity and perseverance in the face of failure showcases a sweet friendship and feisty, diverse female engineer and is illustrated with bright, zany art from the acclaimed Sara Ogilvie.

Gnu and Shrew
by Danny Schnitzlein
illustrated by Anca Sandu

“A refreshing demonstration of different approaches and a friendship that transcends those contrasts.” —Booklist

When Gnu says that there’s a cave filled with diamonds across the river, Shrew is intrigued. But Gnu seems to be all talk, fantasizing about riches yet dismissing all of Shrew’s suggestions. As Gnu dreams his days away, tossing out one big idea after another, Shrew spends his nights trying to make those dreams a reality. Can Gnu’s big ideas and Shrew’s hard work make something remarkable happen? In this entertaining spin on “The Ant and the Grasshopper” that values the roles of both dreamers and doers, author Danny Schnitzlein’s deadpan storytelling is perfectly complemented by illustrator Anca Sandu’s humorous artwork.

Nina Soni, Former Best Friend
by Kashmira Sheth
illustrated by Jenn Kocsmiersky

“The notebook-style lists and vocabulary definitions add to the book without overwhelming the action.… A perfect fit for readers who enjoy realistic fiction about friendship and self-discovery.” —School Library Journal

Nina tried as hard as she could but still somehow forgot about her school project. Fortunately, a class lesson about Alexander Fleming suggests how she might make a great discovery—and thus a great project! But with little sister Kavita’s birthday party right around the corner, and her longtime friendship with Jay on the rocks, Nina has a lot to keep track of. Readers are sure to relate to author Kashmira Sheth’s endearing #OwnVoices chapter book series starring lovable, distractible Nina Soni and her slightly scatter-brained efforts to manage her life with lists, definitions, and real-life math problems. Perfect for STEAM-themed middle grade read-alouds.

Save the Crash-test Dummies
by Jennifer Swanson
illustrated by TeMika Grooms

“Attractively designed and engagingly written—sure to appeal to readers with a taste for the scientific and technical.” —Kirkus Reviews

Can you imagine a world without cars? It’s not easy! One of the reasons we can use cars so much in our everyday lives is because they are safe to drive. But that hasn’t always been the case. If it weren’t for the experiments conducted over decades that involved all kinds of crash test volunteers—dead, alive, animal, or automated—cars as we know them might not be around. And then how would you get to school? Filled with fun four‐wheeled nuggets of history and explanations of how cars actually work, this nonfiction book from former science educator and award-winning author Jennifer Swanson will appeal to lovers of all things that go and readers who are interested in getting in under the hood and seeing how things work.

Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep
by Catherine Rayner

★ “Spellbinding…alluringly tranquil… Gentle and gorgeous.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW 

Arlo is a very tired lion, and he’s tried everything to get to sleep. But the grass is too prickly, the trees are too noisy, and his family wriggles awfully too much. Goodness! How is an exhausted lion ever to get a wink of shut-eye? Luckily, owl has a few tricks up her sleeve and Arlo couldn’t be happier to give them a whirl. Perfect for reluctant or troubled sleepers, award-winning Catherine Rayner’s gorgeous illustrations capture a gentle and humorous bedtime story that has a calming, meditative message of mindfulness and centeredness.

Buy Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Eek! A Noisy Journey from A to Z
by Julie Larios
illustrated by Julie Paschkis

“Children ages 2-5 who like a bit of noise with their books will enjoy these bright and buoyant pages.” —Wall Street Journal

Mouse’s journey begins as he selects a flower for someone very dear to him. One sniff of his special flower—Achoo!―and a bee flies out―Bzzz!―and Mouse’s journey through the alphabet begins! Readers will love meeting the colorful parade of characters along Mouse’s trek and will cheer when he reaches his destination and presents the flower to… Well, that part of the story is a surprise! Julie Larios and Julie Paschkis have produced an entertaining combination of clever onomatopoeic text and lively art that’s ideal for fun read-alouds and teaching oral language. It’s sure to delight young fans and inspire them to create imaginary alphabet adventures of their own―letter by letter and sound by noisy sound!

Buy Eek! today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

One Fox
A Counting Book Thriller
by Kate Read

★ “Little ones will eagerly count in subsequent readings as they also learn new descriptive vocabulary and cheer for the brave hens.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

One hungry fox with two sly eyes is on the prowl…three plump hens had better watch out! Rich and colorful illustrations plunge the reader into a dramatic and exciting story set in a moonlit farmyard. With something different to count on each page, learning to count from one to ten has never been so thrilling! This surprisingly simple counting book with a gripping tale, from Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor-Winner Kate Read, is great for early education and read-alouds and has a hugely satisfying ending that’s sure to delight generations.

Buy One Fox today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Stanley’s Fire Engine
by William Bee

“An adorable hamster, a fire engine, and fireworks: high preschooler appeal.” ―Kirkus Reviews

Stanley’s fire engine is ready for anything. It has a tall ladder, a big water tank, and a long hose. Uh-oh. The fire station has a phone call: Charlie’s barbecue is out of control. CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! Out of the way! Stanley’s on the job! This brightly colored celebration of everyone’s favorite rescue vehicle is playful and fun and filled with important examples of the way firefighters help their communities. A great book for early fire safety discussions, community helper lessons, and more! Check out the rest of William Bee’s beloved Stanley series for more stories featuring adorable hardworking hamster Stanley and his community of rodent friends as they work different jobs and help each other along the way.

Buy Stanley’s Fire Engine today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Winter Babies
by Kathryn O. Galbraith
illustrated by Adela Pons

“Vibrant… Pons brightens the snowy day with shades of purple, red, and blue in the children’s clothing and in lollipop like trees―which is particularly striking when set against the whiteness of snow.” ―Publishers Weekly

Spirited, rhyming text and colorful, graphic art reveal an energetic cast of babies having an action-packed day of play in the park on a cheerful winter day. Featuring diverse characters and highlighting early concepts like shapes and repetition, books in the Babies in the Park series encourage an appreciation of nature and outdoor imaginative play.

Buy Winter Babies today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

The Santa Trap
by Jonathan Emmett
illustrated by Poly Bernatene

“An ideal Christmas present for children who prefer Halloween.” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

Bradley Bartleby is bad. Very bad. All the adults in Bradley’s life give Bradley anything he wants to avoid his wrath―except for Santa Claus, who refuses to give him anything but socks. But Bradley vows to get what he deserves. He transforms his house into a trap so fearsome even his parents refuse to enter it. With dynamite, trapdoors, guillotines, and tigers in his path, Santa doesn’t stand a chance. Or does he? Jonathan Emmet gives readers a Christmas tale from a new and devious perspective. Poly Bernatene’s illustrations perfectly complement this a hilarious and exciting story that will keep readers laughing from beginning to end.

Buy The Santa Trap today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Snow Day!
by Lester L. Laminack
illustrated by Adam Gustavson

“Laminack generates the increasingly hopeful energy to a fever pitch… Gustavson creates a festive mood with his oil illustrations, so luxurious and ample they feel like bundles of winter clothing, topped with bright scarves.” ―Kirkus Reviews

When the weatherman predicts a big snowfall, it’s hard not to imagine the fun-filled adventures of an unscheduled school holiday! You can build snowmen, go sledding, have snowball fights—the possibilities are endless. Except when the family wakes up that next morning, they find no snow! School is happening, and all their dreams of a winter wonderland are gone. But as the family piles into the car to head to school, an unexpected twist reveals who wanted the snow day most of all. Adam Gustavson’s expressive illustrations comically capture the excitement of pure possibility in author Lester Laminack’s clever take on a familiar childhood wish.

Buy Snow Day! today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Christmas in the Trenches
by John McCutcheon
illustrated by Henri Sørensen

“The text is clear and lyrical. Sorensen’s beautiful double-page spreads in sepia shades show the young men from the two sides celebrating together-with individuals just like them.” ―Booklist

It is cold and clear on Christmas Eve night in 1914. Suddenly, a strange sound pierces the darkness. Someone is singing a Christmas carol in German. As the Germans’ carol ends, the British soldiers across the field sing “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Soon carols are being sung back and forth. Slowly, the British and German soldiers leave their trenches—and the war—behind to stand together in the open field. This beautiful, haunting story, based on the real-life WWI event known as the Christmas Truce, is adapted by award-winning songwriter John McCutcheon from his song of the same name. Henri Sørensen’s traditional, full-color oil paintings reinforce the emotional power and dignity of the story. Back matter features more information about the historical event.

Buy Christmas in the Trenches today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound!

Going Down Home with Daddy
by Kelly Starling Lyons
illustrated by Daniel Minter

★ “A warm, loving, necessary reminder of the power in families coming together.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

Down home is Granny’s house. Down home is where Lil Alan and his parents and sister will gather with great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Down home is where Lil Alan will hear stories of the ancestors and visit the land that has meant so much to all of them. And down home is where all of the children will find their special way to pay tribute to their family history. All the kids have to decide what they’ll share, but what will Lil Alan do?

Kelly Starling Lyons’ eloquent text explores the power of history and family traditions, and stunning illustrations by Coretta Scott King Honor- and Caldecott Honor-winner Daniel Minter reveal the motion and connections in a large, multi-generational family.

Buy Going Down Home with Daddy today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

The Story Blanket
by Ferida Wolff & Harriet May Savitz
illustrated by Elena Odriozola

 “A sweet tale of a close-knit community.” —School Library Journal

Babba Zarrah lives in a tiny village in the snow-covered mountains. The children love to visit her. They settle down on her big, old story blanket and listen to her imaginative tales. One day Babba Zarrah notices that Nikolai needs new socks, but she has no yarn. After the children leave, she unravels part of her story blanket and knits him some nice warm socks. As villagers start receiving mysterious gifts to keep them warm, the story blanket gets smaller and smaller until the children have nothing to sit on at story time. When the villagers finally discover Babba Zarrah’s secret, they decide to give her a surprise of their own. This touching story of generosity makes for a wonderful read aloud experience.

Buy The Story Blanket today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

William Still and His Freedom Stories
The Father of the Underground Railroad
by Don Tate

★ “Brings deserved attention to the life of a man who dedicated himself to recording the lives of others.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

William Still’s parents escaped slavery but had to leave two of their children behind, a tragedy that haunted the family. Motivated by his own family’s experience, William began collecting the stories of thousands of other freedom seekers. As a result, he was able to reunite other families and build a remarkable source of information, including encounters with Harriet Tubman, Henry “Box” Brown, and William and Ellen Craft.

Award-winning author-illustrator Don Tate brings to life the incredible true story of William Still, a man who dedicated his life to recording the stories of enslaved people fleeing to freedom, in this first-ever picture book biography of the Father of the Underground Railroad.

Buy William Still and His Freedom Stories today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog
by Lisa Papp

★ “This intergenerational story of love and acceptance is an important addition to library collections for young elementary-aged readers.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

Madeline Finn and Star are off to Walker Oaks, a retirement community where Star will take his tests to become a Therapy dog. They make their way through a variety of challenges and meet several new friends, but Madeline Finn can’t stop thinking about an elderly man in a wheelchair who never smiles. Is there something she and Star can do to help?

Author-illustrator Lisa Papp’s heartwarming, empathetic story explores the therapy dog training process and provides a realistic and appealing example of a young person making a difference in her community.

Buy Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach
by Carmen Agra Deedy
illustrated by Michael Austin

Martina the beautiful cockroach doesn’t know coffee beans about love and marriage. That’s where her Cuban family comes in. But when suitor after suitor fails her Abuela’s Coffee Test, Martina wonders she can ever find true love. Soon, only the gardener Pérez, a tiny brown mouse, is left. But what will happen when Martina offers him café cubano?Author Carmen Agra Deedy delivers a deliciously inventive Cuban version of the beloved Martina folktale, and Michael Austin’s delightful illustrations bring this beautiful green cockroach and her suitors to life.

Explore Martina’s Cuban roots with this informative teacher’s guide!

Little Red
by Bethan Woollvin

On her way to Grandma’s house, Little Red meets a wolf. Which might scare some little girls. But not this little girl. She knows just what the wolf is up to, and she’s not going to let him get away with it. In this updated fairy tale with a mischievous twist, talented storyteller Bethan Woollvin uses sly humor, striking visuals, and dark irreverence to turn a familiar tale on its head.

Download the teacher’s guide and activity kit for more fun with Little Red, and check out the rest of Bethan’s fractured fairy tales!

Lana Lynn Howls at the Moon
by Rebecca Van Slyke
illustrated by Anca Sandu

Lana Lynn is an intrepid sheep. She isn’t content to nibble grass in the pasture, sip water from the pond, and nap in the meadow. She wants adventure! So one night, when the moon is high and the other sheep are asleep, she finds a disguise and dashes into the wild woods to see what life is like as a wolf. It’s fun to run through the wild woods, stay up very late, and howl at the Moon—but is life with the wolf pack everything it seems? Rebecca Van Slyke’s charming depiction of experiencing new things is accented by Anca Sandu’s humorous illustrations.

Get to know the team behind this charming tale with our author and illustrator Q&As, and join Lana Lynn for more wild adventures with these activity sheets and reader’s theater!

Three Hens and a Peacock
by Lester L. Laminack
illustrated by Henry Cole

The Bookshop Girl
by Sylvia Bishop
illustrated by Poly Bernatene

The Joneses have just won the Great Montgomery Book Emporium in a contest, and it’s every book lover’s dream! But there is more to the Emporium than its thousands of books in extravagant displays. In fact, the previous owner is hiding something that could destroy absolutely everything for the Joneses, and Property Jones has a whopper of a secret too. Author Sylvia Bishop’s whimsical delight, crafted with quirkiness and charm features a cast of memorable, quirky characters, beautiful descriptions of the tactile pleasures of books, and the magical transporting quality bookstores can have for readers.

Read an excerpt to see if this book about books should be added to your summer TBR.

Author Q&A, discussion guide, and personality quiz available, and paperback coming this fall!

The Somewhat True Adventures of Sammy Shine
by Henry Cole

Sammy Shine’s life as Hank’s pet mouse was simple and quiet―until Hank’s brother sends Sammy up in a remote controlled airplane and loses control. Now Sammy Shine is in a whole new world; no longer does he live in comfort in his shoe box in Hank’s room. Now he’s lost in the woods, with no way to get home, and a dangerous enemy. Fortunately, a group of new friends will help him find and repair his plane so he can try to get back home. Inspired by a childhood experience, New York Times-bestselling author Henry Cole’s charming illustrated novel features adorable animal characters, an exciting adventure, and an action-packed plot.

Read an excerpt, and check out the teacher’s guide!

Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure
by Alex T. Smith

Mr. Penguin has a dashing hat. He has a battered satchel. He has a packed lunch of fish finger sandwiches. Now he just needs an adventure! So when Boudicca Bones from the Museum of Extraordinary objects calls for help, Mr. Penguin swings into action. Can he and Colin the spider find the museum’s missing treasure before bandits do? Or is this the adventure Mr. Penguin should have never answered? This humorous page-turning story from Alex T. Smith, the author-illustrator of the popular Claude series, is sure to thrill young readers looking for a good adventure.

Read an excerpt, and check out the activity sheets!

What I Like About Me
by Jenna Guillaume

The last thing sixteen-year-old Maisie Martin thought she’d be doing over vacation is entering a beauty pageant. Not when she’s spent most of her life hiding her body from everyone, her Dad is AWOL, her gorgeous older sister has returned to rock Maisie’s already shaky confidence, and her best friend starts flirting with the boy she’s always loved. But Maisie’s got something to prove. As she writes down all the ways this vacation is going from bad to worse in her school-assignment journal, what starts as a homework torture-device might just end up being an account of how Maisie didn’t let anything, or anyone, hold her back. Jenna Guillame’s relatable and charming American debut features a plus-size protagonist with a compelling, funny, and authentic narrative voice and the importance of embracing one’s body and celebrating one’s self.

Read an excerpt, and check out the discussion guide and author Q&A!